Hormone Therapy
HORMONE THERAPY AND ANTI-AGING
The decline in hormones is a major contributor to aging. As hormones, especially sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone and progesterone), decline we note many symptoms associated with aging: wrinkles, low sex drive, fatigue, etc. Although it is “normal” for hormones to decrease with age, replenishing them can result in looking and feeling more youthful.
A decline in hormones and associated symptoms can manifest as young as 30 years old and progesterone even as early as 20s. Many people are misdiagnosed and frequently mistreated. Often people are prescribed medications to treat symptoms like ADD, anti-depressants, and anxiety when the underlying cause is a hormone imbalance. Hormones can easily be tested and often treated with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
WHAT ARE BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES?
Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones produced by your own body as compared to those synthetic (and patented) hormones that have some significant differences. Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived, mimic your own hormones and function in your body the exact same way your innate hormones do because your body perceives them as the same. This allows for a natural integration into your body’s physiology. These hormones are used to replace what your body no longer makes as you age or due to other factors (i.e. stress, PCOS, thyroid disorders, disease, etc.)
WHY CHOOSE OMNI’S COMPREHENSIVE HORMONE & ANTIAGING PROGRAM
At Omni Centers we offer a comprehensive program that addresses hormones and antiaging on multiple levels. As the body ages, it goes through various hormonal changes that can affect health and vitality. Common symptoms of hormone imbalance include weight gain, memory decline, fatigue and muscle loss. Bioidentical hormones and hormone optimization can improve health and restore energy and vitality. We begin by taking a detailed history, listening to your concerns and goals. We will take the time to address any medical concerns or symptoms that you may have been experiencing while delivering a comprehensive anti-aging, nutritional & hormonal replacement program. We assess and address hormone balance, nutrition and lifestyle to treat with a complete and holistic approach with regular monitoring to improve safety, goal outcomes and accomplishing patient and doctor goals.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Bioidentical sex hormones assessed and prescribed for women include estrogen in forms of estradiol and/or estriol, progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and pregnenolone. Hormone levels can start to decline in women in their 20’s & 30’s (causes of low estrogen, low progesterone, low testosterone). BHRT has been used to treat many symptoms including migraines and menstrual headaches (symptoms of low estrogen, low progesterone, low testosterone). It also helps with vaginal dryness, incontinence, urinary urgency, and frequency to name a few. Moreover, hundreds of studies show natural testosterone to be highly preventative against breast cancer, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s dementia and heart disease. (See more benefits of BHRT in women estrogen, progesterone and testosterone). Other hormone imbalances that can be supported with BHRT include PCOS and Estrogen Dominance. The goals of BHRT therapy include alleviating the symptoms caused by the natural (or other) decrease in production of hormones by the body, giving the protective benefits which were originally provided by naturally occurring hormones, and re-establishing a hormone balance.
Every woman is unique and should have a unique treatment to address and improve the side effects of imbalanced hormones.
BHRT FOR MEN
Men experience a similar decline in hormone levels that women experience when they go through menopause. This is known as andropause in men, and this change occurs more slowly starting around the age of 30. Testosterone levels in men typically drop about 1% per year. It is estimated that 40% of men between the ages of 54 to 64 have levels below the lower limit of normal.
These lower levels of testosterone play a critical role in the quality and quantity of life in males. The decline in testosterone levels have been shown to be a risk factor for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, osteoporosis, and diabetes. The goal of testosterone replacement in men is to bring the levels back into a normal range while managing the symptoms of low testosterone levels with the goals of improving energy, sexual function and muscle mass along with the many other benefits BHRT for men. Learn more about the benefits of balancing Testosterone, Progesterone and Estrogen in men.
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY OPTIONS AND SUPPORT
Omni Centers' hormone therapy program creates individualized treatment plans based on your hormone values, symptoms, history, goals and preferences. Hormones are checked regularly by either blood or urine and these values are used to ensure safety while allowing you to work with your practitioner to bring hormones into an optimal range (not just a “normal” range). Only bioidentical hormones are prescribed at Omni Centers.
BHRT options: All options have benefits and drawbacks. We will work with you to find the option that works best for you and your lifestyle.
Topical hormones: hormone creams come from a compounding pharmacy where they are created specifically for you. They are absorbed through the skin and go directly into the blood stream (avoiding being changed by the liver, like what happens with oral administration).
Pellets: Pellets deliver a consistent release of hormone levels over an extended period of time, typically 3–6 months. The procedure typically takes 10–15 minutes, and most people are comfortable resuming daily activities immediately after their appointment. Best of all, your dosage is customized based on your labs. Learn more about Pellet Hormone Therapy here.
Oral therapies: we generally avoid these due to conjugation (structural changes) by the liver. These changes are often the cause of increase risks associated with hormone replacement therapy.
Troches: often used with progesterone (dissolve under tongue and absorb into blood stream through mucus membrane and therefor largely avoiding changes by the liver.
Shots: IM (intramuscular) or SubQ (subcutaneous) injections deliver a fast-acting hormone it is convenient with direct absorption (you absorb 100% of the hormone in the injection of your specific dose).
Supplements: We use supplements to enhance your own body’s production of hormones. Specific supplements may be prescribed based on lab work, symptoms and patient history
Diet: Diet can affect your hormones, weight, immune system and overall wellbeing. Depending on history, goals and labs specific diets or nutritional recommendations may be made.
Lifestyle: In addition to diet, exercise, improving sleep and stress management can help to idealize hormones and improve overall quality of life.
THE ADVANTAGES OF BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY (BHRT):
- They are derived from natural plant chemicals (botanicals)
- Each formula is customized to your individual, unique physiology
- The dosage is adjusted based on your hormone panel (we monitor closely)
- They are natural & the body can metabolize them as it was designed to do
- European Medical studies report they are safer than synthetic versions
THE BENEFITS OF BHRT INCLUDE:
- Reduced urogenital symptoms
- Reduced insomnia/Improve sleep
- Reduced depression
- Improved overall well-being
- Improved cognition
- Increased lean muscle and bone mass
- Increased collagen and elastin- may help improve skin elasticity, hydration, and thickness and reduce wrinkles
- Decreased hemoglobin A1C in diabetics
- Increase insulin sensitivity (reduce risk/improve control of diabetes)
- Reduction in body fat
- Reduce “bad” cholesterol and improve “good” cholesterol
- Enhanced mood
- Improved stress tolerance
- Improved immune system
- Reduce/eliminate Hot flashes, Night sweats
- Facilitate weight loss
- Improve libido and sexual function
- Join pain relief
- Decreases your risk of developing osteoporosis, thyroid problems, cancer etc…
